Airbnb opens for business in Cuba

Airbnb said Thursday that hosts in Cuba will list over 1,000 of their homes on the apartment sharing website.

The move comes after President Obama in December announced a historic shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba, allowing for some travel and trade to the Communist island after 50 years of isolation.

“We couldn’t be more excited that, starting today, licensed U.S. travelers will now be able to experience the unique culture and warm hospitality that makes the island so special through our new Cuban community,” said Airbnb co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk.

While it’s now easier for Americans to travel to Cuba and do business there, the more liberal travel restrictions don’t allow for tourism in the traditional sense.

Americans still need to obtain a license to visit Cuba for business, school or 12 other reasons spelled out by the U.S. government. Currently, the service is only open to licensed U.S. travelers, though Airbnb said it will seek authorization to expand the service to travelers from other countries.

“I think there’s a lot of potential,” Blecharczyk told CNN’s Samuel Burke. “It’s been off limits for the past 50 years, so I think there’s a lot of pent-up interest to experience Cuban culture.”

Blecharczyk added that Cuba’s proximity in the Caribbean makes it a prime destination for U.S. travelers. “Cuba is within that sweet spot where Americans would like to venture,” he said.

Marta is a new Airbnb host in Havana.

Airbnb is one of a growing number of U.S. businesses to establish a foothold in Cuba.